Factors Affecting the Success of Construction Projects in Gaza Strip

Abstract

Background: The construction sector is the main pillar in the Palestinian economy, where the Qatari Grant projects form the largest part of the construction projects spent in Gaza Strip. Objective: This research aims to improve the performance of all parties involved in the Qatari projects by identifying the factors of success and revising the factors of failure dominating the construction projects in Gaza strip. Methods: This study was carried out through distributing ninety-three questionnaires to the contracting companies working in Qatari grant projects, the consulting offices supervising Qatari grant projects, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, and the Qatari committee. Results: The study found that the most affecting factors are: the clear scope of the project, the experience of the design team, the experience of the contractor, closure of crossing points, the highly qualified technical staff, the availability of funding, the mechanism of payments, reputation of the contractor, delay in obtaining fund and sufficient time for design. Conclusion: The results have led to several recommendations aimed to achieve the success of construction projects in general and Qatari projects in Gaza Strip in particular. These are: the need to give sufficient time to design, sufficient consideration of all proposals, the inclusion of all parties in the design phase, studying the surrounding circumstances, identifying alternatives to materials to be used instead of others, and the need to employing a highly experienced technical team and conducting training courses. In addition, the contractor's interest in delivering a high-quality work that satisfies all parties must be taken into consideration.

Factors Affecting Sustainability Performance during the Construction Stage in Building Projects-Consultants’ Perspective

“…However, the country has historically been subject to external and internal political, economic and social pressures that have led to poor socioeconomic conditions. To further exacerbate this issue, the Gaza Strip lacks natural resources and is consequently highly dependent on donors [3]. Therefore, promoting and applying sustainable construction methods and practices in Gaza Strip can generate new job opportunities in not only occupations similar to those in conventional construction but also entirely new 'green jobs ' [4].…”

Factors affecting defects occurrence in the construction stage of residential buildings in Gaza Strip

“…These factors were categorized under five main groups and are shown in Table 1. A pilot study was conducted with the ten experts (i.e., consultant engineers) [35][36][37]. These experts were selected based on their technical and managerial capabilities to ensure quality review of the questionnaire.…”

Challenges Facing Small-sized Construction Firms in the Gaza Strip

“…The construction sector is considered as one of the most important economic sectors that affect the Palestinian national economy. Due to the interrelated relations with other economic activities, the construction sector has a vital role because of its contributions in finding housing, public services and infrastructure [5]. The construction market of Gaza Strip has many unique features that potentially can cause delays and additional costs overrun ending in disputes.…”